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Gretchen Ronnevik

Gretchen Ronnevik

Sanctuary Space- A Giveaway

Uncategorized

I’ve been thinking, friends.  As I go through the ups and downs of getting up early in the morning, or sleeping in, or getting up at least 15 minutes early, sometimes an hour or two, or sometimes just having some time of peace at 3 in the afternoon, that this “Sanctuary” time to just rest is something that we all crave, and all too many of us feel that it is out of reach.

We feel like it is impossible for us to get time alone when we have little ones.  We feel like if only we had a better support system, or kids that sleep in, or kids that would just stop touching us for 15 minutes in every day, then it would be within our reach.

I know the “if only” list very intimately.  I know the cycle of guilt, longing, attempting, failing, exhaustion, loneliness, guilt.

I have still not arrived.  I will continue to stumble along this journey, but I will say that I feel like I’m getting some traction in this area of quiet time and the biggest change wasn’t a program, it was a shift in thinking.  It became a shift of doing this for God, and because I should, to leaning heavily on God, and doing it because I became aware of how desperately I needed it.

It all stated with a prayer.  When I realized that my brain couldn’t function without first having some coffee in the morning, I started wondering why I long for coffee more than I long for God.  If I don’t get my coffee by 7am, do I just skip it and say, “Well, having coffee wasn’t meant to be today.”

As the Apostle Paul would say: by no means!  I push aside all else and get that liquid gold in a warm mug in my hands.  (Oh, why doesn’t this baby inside me make me nauseous to coffee!  I miss it so much!)

I started praying that the Holy Spirit would make me desire him more than I desire coffee.  “God, make me long for you like I long for my coffee.”

It was the most ridiculous, but honest prayer I could come up with.

It’s not exactly “As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after you…” from the Psalms.  But God still heard it.

I also love the idea of having a Sanctuary space, or as some people are now calling it, a “War Room” or someplace where you start up this new routine, even if it’s your kitchen table.

My goal is to inspire, not cause more guilt.  It’s to let you know that I know the struggle is real, and I don’t want you to believe any lies that victory over this is impossible.  When you are going through a struggle, you can either fight, or lay down and take it.  I’ve done both, and figured out they both don’t work and found a new plan C: beg God to fight for you, because fighting for it means failure, and laying down and take it feels like death.  It all starts with an honest prayer, asking for help.

As a means of hopefully inspiring, and letting all you ladies (and gentlemen…maybe, I don’t know if you’re there) know that your longings for a sanctuary are good and from God and lean into that, I’m doing the biggest giveaway I’ve ever done on this blog.  I purchased these things (they were not donated) as a way to encourage you.

I’m giving away a my Bible.

IMG_4478Well, not mine.  Mine has all my notes in the margins, and Ingrid’s massive scribbling in the book of Daniel.

I’m giving away a fresh new copy, in the box, that’s the same exact Bible that Knut bought me for Christmas a few years ago.  I had been wanting this one for years.

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I love how straightforward this Bible is.  It’s not cluttered up with a lot of commentary.  It’s the ESV translation, which I find to be very reliable and very readable all at the same time.  It has this pretty leather cover.  It’s single column printing, which isn’t so choppy and reads like a normal book, and it has space in the margins for you to write your questions, or things that you wonder or understand better as you read.  The pages have a decent amount of white space on the pages, which is rare for Bible printings, and as someone who gets distracted easily, I appreciate this a lot.

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To top off this giveaway, I’m giving away this brand new, pretty tea mug with tea filter and lid to keep it hot.  Of course you can fill it with coffee or chocolate too.  😉  But may it be an inspiration to you that time with God is a time of restoration and hope.  It’s a time of work, but it’s Him doing the work in you, not you doing something for Him.  God gives us rest for our sake, not for His.

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There’s a few ways to enter this giveaway.  I want to expand the community of this blog through this giveaway, but I also want to be sensitive to the fact that some people don’t like going on social media, and want some simple ways to enter as well, like commenting.  If you want to comment to enter, answer this question: why do you need a “sanctuary time?”  

There’s a few other things that you can do enter.  You can do one, or do them all.  (The “Invent your own” option is explained if you click on it.  It’s the email subscription in the right hand column of this blog.  You can be a current subscriber to check this off, just check to confirm.  It will tell you.)  If you have already Rafflecopter will draw one of the names next Monday morning, and I’ll announce the winner then.

Because of shipping costs and customs, this will only be open to residents in the USA.  (I’m so sorry about this!  I have so many international friends who read this, I know!)  Shipping will go out within a week of the end of the giveaway.

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This giveaway is worth over $100.  (You can thank all the nice people who buy my knitting patterns for funding it through my business.)  I can’t wait to find out who I get to send it to next week!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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January 18, 2016 · 79 Comments

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Comments

  1. Penny says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:00 am

    I need sanctuary time because I am struggling to feel worthy of teaching about God to my preschool classes. I often worry about what exactly to teach them, or how to teach them, or whether I am even teaching them anything about God that they will understand or remember. I need time to “converse” with God on his plan for me and my students.

    Reply
  2. Lynn Watson says

    January 18, 2016 at 9:52 am

    Finding a place and time to meet God alone has been in my mind for about 6 months now but it hasn’t made the journey down to my heart just yet! I have no excuse, I have one teenager left at home and she is attending a local college. I need to find my version of your coffee prayer to pray, we are about to move house to a new community, we are not sure what God is doing right now apart from moving us on! I live in the UK, in the unlikely event of my name being drawn I can give you my parent’s address in Georgia- next time a family member visits they could bring it back to the UK for me! Just writing this comment has given me focus, thank you. X

    Reply
  3. Heather Krupa says

    January 18, 2016 at 10:46 am

    I need sanctuary time because like you, I cannot go through any day without God’s strength, even though I act like it sometimes. When I slow down and connect with God, He reminds me of His love for me and fills me with His strength. I have been eying this Bible for a while. I’d love to have it. I’m a big note taker.

    Reply
  4. Jennie Shellenbergers says

    January 18, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    I need a sanctuary time for most of the same reasons as you… Busy homeschooling mom of 6 age 10 and under, active in my church, and loving it all. Yet getting so overwhelmed with the sheer amount of it all, while also experiencing the feeling of needing to do even more. A sanctuary time is a great time to just sit and be still. Listen and reflect. Learn and grow. All through the Holy Spirit and God’s grace. Thank you for your words each post. They are inspiring me.

    Reply
  5. Krisha says

    January 18, 2016 at 12:25 pm

    I need sanctuary time to refill my cup. I need His strength and power to love and lead my children. Lately, my big mental shift has been choosing to worship God with my food. I love to satisfy my belly and taste buds when life becomes intense. That comfort is my idol. Learning to lean on Him instead requires time with Him. I need His comfort so I don’t transfer my intensity to my children.

    Reply
  6. Krista Bailey says

    January 18, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    I need a sanctuary time because I need the discipline of “daily” walking with the Lord and reading His precious Word!

    There is so much “ick” going on in this world and oftentimes my attitude and outlook can got boggled down by it. However, my HOPE and peace is in Him. I want to pass this on to my children.

    Reply
  7. Kendra says

    January 18, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    I need Sanctuary time each day to keep my heart focused on Christ. Sometimes it feels like a chore at first to actually open His Word (isn’t that awful??), and yet, EVERY SINGLE TIME I get in His Word, my spirit is renewed, my heart feels drenched in peace, and I gain precious insight and wisdom from Him. And then there’s prayer…so essential to me as I walk through these days with little ones. We serve an awesome God who is always available to us…I love that. Praising God this morning for YOUR heart in encouraging others to spend time with Our Father. Blessings!

    Reply
  8. Shirley says

    January 18, 2016 at 1:18 pm

    I need sanctuary time to just be with nature the listener to God’s great work.

    Reply
  9. heidi says

    January 18, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    I’m still using my student bible from college, I’m due for an upgrade!

    Reply
  10. Holly says

    January 18, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    I need the time, early in the morning, because it really sets the tone for the day. I remember asking a father once how he was able to raise three wonderful daughters without their mother (she’d been a colleague and was killed overseas) and his answer was simple: “Stay in the Word.”

    His Word truly bakes in a seal around you if you seek it every morning. Everything you do or see that day will be filtered. At least, that’s what I have seen.

    Reply
  11. krysta says

    January 18, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    WE ALL need a sanctuary time & space, don’t we?! I’m getting into a rhythm of starting my day with it – because it gives me balance as I start my day as a mama! what a gorgeous giveaway, gretchen – thanks for the opportunity!

    Reply
  12. Jennie says

    January 18, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    I need sanctuary time because I need to have more patience with my children and I’m always coming up short.

    Thank you most of all for all of the encouragement you share every week. And thank you for offering such a beautiful giveaway too 🙂

    Reply
  13. Tracey moore says

    January 18, 2016 at 1:42 pm

    I’m always on the run. There’s very little schedule to my life. Since the Lord Himself controls the labors, I don’t have control of my decisions on when to do things and I need to grab a few minutes here and there as I can. Since I’m also a rather disorganized person, keeping notebook with Bible doesn’t happen too often. I love the idea of this beautiful little package and a bible that can travel with me while staying covered and receiving my notes here in there as my biggest sanctuary time is sitting in my car, often in a parking lot or even a client’s driveway.

    Reply
  14. Rachel says

    January 18, 2016 at 1:56 pm

    I need sanctuary time to remind myself that I matter too. I start losing myself in all the day to day and year to year worries, if I’m being the best wife I can be, best parent to our kids, and I lose being me.

    Reply
  15. Allison Morton says

    January 18, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    I need a sanctuary time because my days are anything and everything but sanctuary. I need to seek out the quiet moments, seize them, and make the most of them.

    Reply
  16. angie says

    January 18, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    Sanctuary is so very important for spiritual growth! Love your message…and your giveaway is fantastic!

    Reply
  17. Elle says

    January 18, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    I need sanctuary time because I am awful about putting my needs in front of anyone else’s. I can only imagine the person I could become if I allowed God time and room to grow me!

    Reply
  18. Bev says

    January 18, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    Sanctuary Time sets the tone of my day. It settles me to stay close to the Lord. It points me in the direction the Lord wants my day to take. I need this time with the Word to give me strength for my day. Thank you for your incentive and inspiration to keep the faith.

    Reply
  19. Laura Andersen says

    January 18, 2016 at 2:33 pm

    Sanctuary time/quiet time helps me to stay focused on what is important. What things should be at the top of my list to teach my children? What is going to matter 10…20…30 years from now. Gods word gives me fuel for my soul. Without it I run on empty. Believe me ,thats not pretty!

    Reply
  20. Leta says

    January 18, 2016 at 2:34 pm

    I need a sanctuary time to bring me to rest in God’s hands. I need to remember what He has done, who He is, and what He’s capable to doing. It allows me to remove myself from the business and distractions and refocus. It allows me to remember some of my distractions are my greatest blessings. It disciplines, encourages, and refines me.

    Reply
  21. Kerry says

    January 18, 2016 at 2:37 pm

    I need a sanctuary time because I have never in my life made space for God, and honestly I’m not sure where I fall on the belief spectrum. I’ve been debating creating some quiet time for reflection recently, and this blog post popped up, so I figured I’d enter and see what happened. 🙂

    Reply
  22. Kristi says

    January 18, 2016 at 2:41 pm

    With the life I live, I need some time with God to survive. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  23. Kjirsti says

    January 18, 2016 at 2:41 pm

    I need a sanctuary time because I struggle with everything you, Gretchen, struggle with, craving coffee more than my Father, dragging myself out of bed, my mind and body being consumed by “littles”. Thank you for sharing your journey and encouraging all of us!

    Reply
  24. Angela says

    January 18, 2016 at 2:43 pm

    I need sanctuary time because spending time with God, reading His promises, feeling His love, help me keep my focus on where it should be and the enemy’s lies far from me!

    Reply
  25. Stacie Miller says

    January 18, 2016 at 2:55 pm

    I need a sanctuary time because there are many days that I wake up and have had the exact same thoughts that you have. I wake up, almost always after my kiddos wake me and instantly worry about what they need and then I run to the shower to hide and pray that I can make through the day with all these little people. There just doesn’t seem to be anywhere to hide some days and other days I just don’t seem as motivated/crave God like I desire other days.

    Reply
  26. sue adams says

    January 18, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    I need sanctuary time because I am a single mom of 4 kiddos. They keep me very busy. I have to make sure I spend time with my Lord. I have been looking for a bible like this for awhile. I want one that is easy read that I can tuck in my purse. Sometimes sanctuary time is 5 minutes while waiting for kiddos.

    Reply
  27. Rachel says

    January 18, 2016 at 3:01 pm

    His banner over me is love!

    Reply
  28. Jody says

    January 18, 2016 at 3:10 pm

    I need sanctuary time because no matter what my busy brain tells me, it is the most helpful and encouraging thing I could do for myself in a day before our house wakes! I ALWAYS have better days when I start with my bible, a cup of tea or coffee and the Lord! He is faithful to me even when I am not. I want to find more and more joy in him every day! Whether it is listening to sermons or podcasts, this bible and teacup could be a fun and useful addition to those habits! Thank you for the opportunity Gretchen!

    Reply
  29. Tania says

    January 18, 2016 at 3:12 pm

    Gorgeous giveaway and so generous!
    I need a sanctuary time because it gives honor and priority to the God of my every day. It is humbling and encouraging to daily remind myself that there is nothing I do that He doesn’t provide the strength and grace for. I want to know him and if I want to know him I need to read his word.

    Reply
  30. Alison Olson says

    January 18, 2016 at 3:20 pm

    I feel incomplete without my sanctuary time. I don’t always make it as much of a priority, like you say, as I do my coffee. Oftentimes, a few minutes of extra sleep wins in the moment with regret taking over later on when I have realized what I gave up.
    I need my sanctuary time to ‘right the ship’ and put the day and all of its responsibilities into perspective.

    Reply
  31. Lisa says

    January 18, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    Yes! The cry to God to desire him more than my morning coffee; this really struck a chord with me. I need sanctuary time to keep my priorities straight, to be still — trusting Him for the time to accomplish the never-ending to-do list, casting my cares upon Him and giving Him thanks in the midst if each crazy, hectic day.

    Thank you for your generosity! May your “gifts” be treasured by whoever wins!

    Reply
  32. Lisa says

    January 18, 2016 at 3:24 pm

    PS: I don’t have twitter, so I’m sharing on IG 🙂

    Reply
  33. Shirley JB says

    January 18, 2016 at 3:25 pm

    I need sanctuary time to give thanks and praise to our Lord God.

    Reply
  34. Crystal says

    January 18, 2016 at 3:41 pm

    To continue growing.

    Reply
  35. Lisa Nichols says

    January 18, 2016 at 3:44 pm

    I need sanctuary so desperately. I love it like nothing else. If I’ve had sanctuary in my morning, I can flow with God’s plan and help the whole day. It’s like I get little whispers in my ear to do this, skip that. Much more willpower, calm and ease.

    Reply
  36. Nancy says

    January 18, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    Finding my ‘sanctuary time’ is hard with little ones but much needed! Even if it’s just a 5 min “I need you God” throughout the day, I find that I’m much calmer and can handle the sometimes overwhelming job of being Mom!
    Thanks for your words of encouragement today, Gretchen!!

    Reply
  37. Sara says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:13 pm

    Sanctuary. Because God built that need into us to pause for him, yearn for Him. And coffee. 😉

    Reply
  38. Nicki says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    I need sanctuary time because I have five children. 😜

    Reply
  39. Sarah L. says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:20 pm

    I need sanctuary time because it keeps me grounded and focused on what I’m supposed to be doing and thinking. Without it I think about myself and my own comforts, and who is not ‘falling inline’ with me and my priorities.

    Reply
  40. Elise Birdsong says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:41 pm

    I need sanctuary time so I can be a better wife, mother, and friend.

    Reply
  41. Dawn says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    What a thoughtful and heart felt giveaway. Thank you Gretchen, just for being you.

    I need sanctuary time like a sponge needs to get soaked every day. If it doesn’t, it gets dry and actually resists the water.

    Without God every day, I become hard-hearted and resistant to Him and His workings in my life. Recently I purchased an audio Bible and have been able to listen to the Word on my way to work in the mornings. What a blessing! It is changing me already.

    Reply
  42. Rachel Dale says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:55 pm

    I need sanctuary time to help me be a better friend, neighbor, wife, daughter, and mom.

    Reply
  43. Neely says

    January 18, 2016 at 5:03 pm

    I need sanctuary time because I can tell when I go too long without it. I have less patience and more anxiety. When I spend time with God, He helps take care of that for me.

    Reply
  44. Rebekah says

    January 18, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    Wonderful giveaway! I need “sanctuary time” to keep my priorities straight and give me the strength and wisdom I need to raise the children God has given me.

    Reply
  45. Kirstin says

    January 18, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    Why do I need sanctuary time……oh my where do I begin! Mainly because I am a mess without it & if Mama is a mess then everyone in the house suffers. Thank you for the beautiful post and giveaway!

    Reply
  46. Christina says

    January 18, 2016 at 6:00 pm

    My mother in law just introduced me to your blog, and your post really suits me right now, as I’ve been working on this (alone time with God and His word) desperately in the last few weeks myself, *and* we discovered this week that my treasured Bible isn’t genuine leather as we thought, and in the outside is peeling and crumbling rapidly. I need sanctuary time so that I can remember to let Him 100% into my day every day, and to remember that he’s in control of every situation in my life, and its outcome, before I make my choices. Whether I control myself or lose my temper (I of course strive for the former), whether I worry or not, whether the situation turns out the way I’d like or not, it’s all Him pouring Himself out on me, and I need to soak Him in so that I can share His glory with those around me in my daily life. When I get caught up in the daily strains of raising two little ones two and under, the stress of doing every afternoon and evening alone without my husband who works swing shift, and the craziness of the new to me pms struggles after having my second baby and am nearing 30 years old, I have to remember that none of it matters because He’s got this. 😊💜

    Reply
  47. Rachel says

    January 18, 2016 at 6:44 pm

    I need a sanctuary time for so many reasons. I know I am a better version of myself when I have this consistently in my life. I am an introvert, and carving out quiet time to meet with God fills my cup so much. This journaling bible looks absolutely amazing. This is timely for me because my husband and I recently (and somewhat grudgingly) agreed to start setting an alarm about 1.5 hours earlier than our normal wake up time, and today was the first day. We did it, and I even got some bible study in this morning. I was also so much more productive this morning and felt I had more space in my day already.

    Reply
  48. Brooke says

    January 18, 2016 at 7:09 pm

    My daily life can be so packed with everything (work, kids, errands, much needed sleep) and really need the word of God to get me through all of that, because I know I can’t do it on my own. It’s hard, but when I do make time, he puts everything into place.

    Reply
  49. Corinne Porter says

    January 18, 2016 at 7:52 pm

    I need a sanctuary time because without it I can come up
    with every excuse that I am too busy in my day for God when in fact
    my day belongs to God. I need to feed on His word and cast my cares on Him
    to strengthen my Spirit and to keep my flesh under. It is a
    daily feeding on the Word. I am so weak, but He is strong! Things may go well today,
    but I don’t know what tomorrow holds and therefore I need to be built up…
    having my mind renewed daily through the washing of His Word.

    Reply
  50. Martha says

    January 18, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    I need “sanctuary time” because I need JESUS! I need to hear from Him, I need to talk to Him, I need wisdom for everything that comes at me in the space of a day.

    Reply
  51. Karin says

    January 18, 2016 at 8:04 pm

    I’m a homeschooling mom and teach children in addition to my own 3 days a week. Finding time for myself and God feels close to impossible sometimes.

    Reply
  52. Nichole Feagin says

    January 18, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    I need sanctuary time because ever since having my little one a few months ago it has been hard to find time for Him. I need time to learn from His word so that I can teach my little boy to love our mighty God with all his heart and to follow Him. Having a special Bible to pass down to him and being able to show him that time with God can be creative and colorful because our God IS creative and colorful. just look at the world around us. Teaching our children to love the Lord and to show others his love is the greatest job that we as parents have. This sanctuary time is not only for my son but also for me. I lead worship at my church and sometimes I forget that what I sing aren’t just songs. They are love letters to my God. I know that having sanctuary time will help me to remember that in everything I do, I need to do it to worship Him.

    Reply
  53. Erika Reinertson says

    January 18, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    I need sanctuary time for my sanity!

    Reply
  54. kelly says

    January 18, 2016 at 8:28 pm

    Why do I need sanctuary time? Simple… For my sanity. 🙂

    Reply
  55. Annalise says

    January 18, 2016 at 9:06 pm

    Oh Gretchen. I know I don’t even need to tell you why I need a Sanctuary Space. :o) But you are SO inspiring and making me dream up ways to make my own sanctuary space. Love you, dear friend!

    Reply
  56. Stacey says

    January 18, 2016 at 9:32 pm

    I need a sanctuary time because it brings a little more peace and sanity into my day. I have purposefully been getting up before my family for a few years now and it makes such a difference! By the time they are all up, it’s crazy insanity until the kids get out the door. And then I have a very demanding 2 year old who has just started NOT napping! So my only truly quiet time is first thing in the morning.

    Reply
  57. Marilyn says

    January 18, 2016 at 9:38 pm

    I need sanctuary time to obtain peace in this seemingly world-gone-crazy. Thanks for your generous give away.

    Reply
  58. Tiffany M. says

    January 18, 2016 at 9:40 pm

    I need sanctuary time just because my day goes better when I have it. I feel more focused and cheerful when I have had some time to pray and reflect. Thank you for the chance to win….this bible looks amazing. I am still using my student bible so a “grown up” one would be awesome! The cup is very pretty too! I love reading your blog and new newsletter. Take care.

    Reply
  59. Amber says

    January 18, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    Oh my. This is very generous of you. I have had this exact Bible on my amazon wishlist for two years! I get up about an hour before the rest of the family in the morning to spend time reading God’s Word and journaling. Why? Because it keeps me centered and focused and thankful throughout the rest of the day when I start my day quietly with God.

    Reply
  60. Randi Cook says

    January 18, 2016 at 10:38 pm

    I have to get up early to get my sanctuary time. But I do it because I need me time without distractions from others.

    Reply
  61. emi says

    January 18, 2016 at 10:49 pm

    I’m looking to reconnect with spirit both mine and the spirit. Having a young child and not ‘connected’ to either for years has left me a little lost. Hoping some sanctuary time will help with re-establishing this connection.

    Reply
  62. Susie says

    January 18, 2016 at 11:23 pm

    Well, my “job” is teaching 7th and 8th grade Language Arts, but my full-time profession is forever mama to my gal, Chloe Korrigan, who is my autistic princess with developmental disabilities and epilepsy. Chloe is nearly 19, and is my heart…but she also is my reason for needing sanctuary. As she has become an adult, my body, mind, and soul crave it more than ever before. Thank you for this lovely giveaway!

    Reply
  63. Gretchen Larson says

    January 19, 2016 at 12:22 am

    I am so bad at finding time for God. I have WAY too many excuses. I need to make God time a priority. Gretchen, you are such an inspiration!

    Reply
  64. Jennifer s says

    January 19, 2016 at 12:39 am

    I want to be a example to my daughter by showing her how to get closer to her maker. I want to be a example for by showing her to put time aside to spend and get to know Him.

    Reply
  65. Liza Kirschner says

    January 19, 2016 at 1:36 am

    I need more consistent time with God – My time has become too haphazard and I feel it in every part of my being – My fault, no excuses.

    Reply
  66. Cathy says

    January 19, 2016 at 4:15 am

    Time spent in prayer is never time wasted. I need to keep reminding myself of that as I can so easily get sidetracked.

    Reply
  67. Emily says

    January 19, 2016 at 4:21 am

    I need sanctuary time because I am in a place in life where I am suffocated with expectations of my own achievement and abilities to perform. I am in a place where I know that I have so little control of my future that I feel the need to be in control of everything in my present. I am in a place where I feel the need to take on too many commitments and eventually succumb to the stress I’ve placed on myself. I need sanctuary time because I need to remind myself that my Savior is still faithfully pursuing me and wants me to give all of my fears, worries, shortcomings and stresses into his more than capable hands. I need sanctuary time to surrender my “control” and allow God to fill me with His love and strength.

    Reply
  68. Lisa Joy says

    January 19, 2016 at 7:42 am

    I need a sanctuary space because I am just tired. Physically tired from the demands of homeschooling and raising 5 kids, including a teething baby, and spiritually tired from trying to convince myself that I can do it all on my own. I want my children to see that God is our strength and our shield, our fortress, our hiding place, and our rest and refuge. I want them to know His grace and mercy and His infinite love, and I need to remind myself of those very things. Thank you so much for this! God bless you, my dear friend!

    Reply
  69. Kirsten says

    January 19, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    I need sanctuary time to have intentional time with God and in his Word. Without it, I feel like when life seems to spin out of control, I have no foundation, no grounding.

    Reply
  70. Anna says

    January 19, 2016 at 6:33 pm

    Sanctuary time means I can pray for my relationship with my husband, so we can communicate with each other, and work together to take care of our little family.

    Reply
  71. Michael Bratek says

    January 20, 2016 at 12:02 am

    I need sanctuary time because depression seems to rule me and sometimes, over my life. I’ve lost faith in humanity, leadership, and hope. Last year was also a rough year; had a heart attack; got injured at work; lost that job after 13 years there; i need a reprieve!

    Reply
  72. Lisa says

    January 20, 2016 at 5:16 am

    What a beautiful giveaway. Thank you!! 🙂

    I need sanctuary time because I need to always keep at the front of my mind that my identity is not primarily wife, mother, teacher, etc. and I’m not graded on how “well” or “not” I am performing those roles, but my identity is a blood-bought, dearly-loved daughter of King Jesus!!

    Reply
  73. Maddie says

    January 20, 2016 at 6:17 am

    I need my sanctuary time because I am currently in a tough transition spot in life. Despite all that’s going on, I let Jesus into my heart last summer and can’t stop thinking about Him since! My boyfriend and I have been looking for a bible to share. This one would be perfect! Thank you for this oppurtunity! I love your adorable blog! God bless<3

    Reply
  74. Tara Butterworth says

    January 20, 2016 at 6:18 am

    I need sanctuary time the way I need my morning coffee too. I love that prayer Gretchen, because after having twins, I can tell you I have a major dependence on coffee!

    I have 2.5 year old twins, a 6 year old, I’m a SAHM and homeschooling and just overwhelmed by it all. I’ve been looking and trying to select a new bible for 2016. This one is do beautiful. Even if I don’t win, I’ll try to buy it. Beautiful coffee cup too!

    Reply
  75. Kendra says

    January 21, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    I love this. What a beautiful giveaway. Isn’t a sanctuary time needed for every mom? Just a few moments during your day to put all other things aside to focus on our Creator. Thanks for your blog and your thoughts. 🙂

    Reply
  76. Gail M says

    January 22, 2016 at 5:54 pm

    I need sanctuary time…..first in the day to spend time in the word…..meet with my Lord to help prepare fore the day. If I don’t take the time, I just start the day running with children, farm, and life. Blessings to you from Kansas!!!

    Reply
  77. Rachel Dallaire says

    January 23, 2016 at 3:30 am

    I need a sanctuary time because I am learning how much I need Him while being mama to a ten week old! I rely on Him in every moment and need to make sure that I am taking the time to enjoy His Word each and every day.

    Reply
  78. Kara says

    January 23, 2016 at 4:03 am

    I need a sanctuary time because I have four boys. And they makes lots and lots and lots of noise.

    Reply
  79. Anne says

    January 23, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    I need sanctuary time to overcome the fears that hold me back from following God’s will for my life and being able to receive the fullness of the blessing He has for me. I need it to be reminded daily that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

    Reply

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Welcome!

I’m Gretchen, farmwife, mother and teacher to 6 hilarious children, writer, tutor, knitting designer and mentor.  I am passionate about teaching women about their freedom and identity found in theology of the law and the gospel.  Feel free to sign up below for my newsletter and updates.

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